2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1997 Mercury Mystique
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mercury Mystique. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mercury Mystique would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercury Mystique. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Mystique weights approximately 276 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Mystique. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1997 Mercury Mystique has manual transmission. 1997 Mercury Mystique will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1997 Mercury Mystique | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Explorer | Mystique |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
